The goals for 2010 ..

Every year people make resolutions and every year people beat themselves up over not succeeding - many break them on January 1st. So for me this year - what are my resolutions.. none. I have goals I am going to work toward (see how making it a goal versus a resolution makes it seem like less pressure!)

It was last year that I made a goal to quit smoking in 2009 - it did not happen on Januay 01 - but a few weeks later I was smoke free - so my big goal last year -- ACHIEVED! My lungs and hubby are much happier for it, and so am I - I hopefully have added a year or two of life to myself that will allow me to see a bit more of the life of my daughter!

some of the smaller goals were achieved too - making more of a contribution to the world around me - while baby steps "our" shared goals at Purse Junkie no more made a dent in the needs of others.

re-start the weight loss journey - I will admit to stalling on this - but have made a tiny step - I have joined weight watchers - now the comitment to DO something about the weight gain from not smoking must be done!

My Five "Big" goals for me this year..

1. Get Healthy - Body, mind and spirit - how ? By letting go of the shit that dosen't work in my life, and finding a new way to approach food, exercise and feed my mind not just my stomach!
2. Find my an outlet for creativity .. I was once pretty artistic --
3. Try to be happy with the now , while working towards the goals
4. Expect happiness not perfection ( I believe positive attitudes can change the world!)
5. READ and LEARN and LISTEN

How am I going to do all of this????? I have no clue, but I hope you all will continue with me on my journey in creating me, I am hoping to get to the good juciy stuff about what makes me tick in 2010 - wouldn't that be great to do before I was 40???? I have two and a half years .... I have been told that that is when life really starts to get good  for woman and damn I want to be ready!

LIVE LOVE LAUGH AND CELEBRATE THE YOU, YOU WANT TO BE!

The Red Sweater

The Red Sweater - our sister connection:

Every Christmas for about the last 8 years my sister and I have given each other the same gift back and forth.
Let me explain - about 9 years ago I was wearing this cute little red sweater that was part of one of those sweater sets that was popular at the time, my sister like it - and took it (somethings never change!) - Joking that she will give it back to me next christmas - sure enough she did..the following year I returned the favour (now out of style and not having worn it - I chuckled to myself as I wrapped it up) My sister thought it was a hoot - but instead of just wrapping it up again - she added a small bell to the sleeve cuff and gave it back to me the next year. Finding the bell was a surprise - but the challenge was on! I must return it with somehting significant attached -- so since I had given birth the year it was my turn to send it - I attached little booties to signify my little lady. Not to be out done my sister sent it back the next year with a small bird on the shoulder and officially labelled it by attaching the word christmas down the sleeve. The significance of the blue jay is profound and meaningful to my sister - she had upped the ante! so I thought long and hard - and serched for the perfect attachment to the sweater! The year of  our Paris trip and our five year wedding anniverairy - also a significant shopping year ( see bag list on sidebar - that is about one year worth of bags!) after pricking my fingers non stop while I sewed on the word Paris and a bag and shoe patch - off it headed to my sister for this years addition.  She returned with this years patch : a tribute to our grandmother - and angel to both of us now -  she is represented over the heart just where she will always be.
Next years patch is to be determined - but who knows what the years will bring - in tme it will belong to our daughters -- but not to be out done - my neice started a tradition the first year the little lady was born - they give each other the same birthday card each year - so far 4 years worth of messages and scribbles - it is beyond cute!

Some traditions are worth throwing out the window -- others are well worth keeping - to me I could receive nothing for Christmas but a ratty old sweater that is 40 years old - and that will be the best present in the world - simply because in years to come that shabby old red sweater will be the a snap shot of the life I have lead and the connection to a sister I have loved my whole life.

Live Love Laugh.. Share

Merry Christmas my friends

Hello everyone, I hope you are all getting ready for a family and friend filled holiday.. for the next few days we all get to be kids again. As I say every year -- I wish you all a brilliant, love and peace filled new year.

My thoughts are always reflecting back to those who are not with me this year, and I know many of you will have the same thoughts - so smile and laugh for them, for tears will only make your eyes red! I will love the memories I have of my grandparents,  enjoy a christmas time filled with child innocience now in the eyes of my little girl and neice. Start new traditions, and enjoy the old ones with a new twist.

I hear the bells.. do you? 

Live Love Laugh and deck the halls with love

Melanie

Peace on Earth

With my love of snow a green Christmas would not be on my wish list.. but the weather looks very much like the snow will blow only around the GTA not directly into it!


So today I was day dreaming of winters and christmas days gone by ( my goodness is this what happens as you get older - get all mushy and dreams of days of old?--LOL )

I wanted to share some my christmas moments with you, and please write me and share yours with me.. because if we don't tell our stories who will???


- Opening my stocking with my sister and trading for Snoopy Crayons! ( 20 plus years later I got snoopy crayons again )

-Playing Jaws and opening all the presents when mom was still sleeping

- Standing out in the freezing cold somewhere in Markham I think when I was twelve or so looking at the most incredible light display someone had put on their house.

- Skating with friends at Scarborough Town over the holidays
- Eating to much food on Christmas Eve
- watching the TV fire channel and dancing with my one month old
- Every christmas the last 4 years when I see her eyes light up
- Eating too much food and making periogies homemade at Melonies house with all the ladies there
- Getting of the bus ride to sudbury and hearing where is Tara and Sydney!


My christmas joys --

The Red Sweater ( will tell you this story after christmas)
Getting the right gift for my sister -- just enough laughter and tears combination
Watching the hubby open "the gift" and seeing yup I got it right!
Spending time with family and friends
White bread (one of the only times I actually eat it) slathered in mayo covered in stuffing and turkey-- mere hours after having eaten to many veggies

SHORTBREAD BINGE



I may not write much over the next few weeks - So for all those who read - no matter what you celebrate


I wish for all of you to LIVE LOVE LAUGH and may you all find PEACE ON EARTH

Melanie

my mommy tip ... 4 years wise!

My life has developed balance again.. sort of. We have a few new routines, a few new and now mastered rules.. and tonight she ate squash! hidden in the cheese sauce that covered the noodles - but a full serving of squash none the less..

Parenting has been my lifes biggest lesson, and one that continues each day. So my mommy tips...

plan but don't obsess
provide boundries and structure ( really does help in my house), but try even if type "A" to losen up once in awhile
try not to sweat the small stuff - I am working on this everyday
love the little moments because if the last four years have gone by in a blink so will the next 15!
snuggle when asked
Dance and sing like a fool - it is the best time every single moment we do it - even if the whole world seems to be watching.
Find something that is yours to enjoy and do it! Try not to get lost in the "mommy only" version of you
Provide memories not just things

Parenting isn't easy and I am thankful to everyone who is helping me along the way! I always read it takes a villiage to raise a child.. and I really do believe this is true..

Live Love Laugh.. Parent

The purse junkie no more

Neighbours .. in the city

I love cities.. any city with a little bit of character and spunk is going to be one I want to visit. When hubby and I first had our little lady, we were not even close to thinking about a move outside the city.. more space, more this and that. - Nope in fact if we do ever sell the house - I want to go deeper into the core of the city.

I have heard others say in the city you don't get to know your neighbours.. I don't think that is true. I believe you have the option not to know them, but you can easily be involved in your city community as you can in a suburb or country town.

We live in East York ( actually an orginal planned Toronto neighbourhood, swallowed as the city expaned around it) and I do know my neighbours, in fact last night we were 3 doors down having a great pizza in dinner after having to pass on skating in the rain as the rink was closed. I also know and like the couple that live attached to us, and a few of the houses across the street have owners who we talk to on a regular basis. We have all had dinners together, shovel each others drive ways and know the name of the kids who also have playdates together or go to school together. I know the dogs and cats that live on our street - this is due to the little ladies love of four legged pets.

The community store on the street is owned by George a wonderful man- who has everything you need all the time - I have yet to need something and he didn't have it. ( seriously.. mint sauce, duck tape, incense you name it) There is a great pizza / burger / local bar just up the street that makes great food at a good price and to top it all off they actively particpate in community leagues etc. Golden Pizza is the name,and if you are ever near by --- I suggest the burgers.

Living in the city.. a 15 minute walk from Danforth is great. I know the people in my neighbourhood, I am a participant in my childs school life ( BTW -- want to buy chocolates, a magazine, or oranges or any other fundraising thing give me a call I can hook you up..LOL something different each week!) I go to festivals, see  and  walk the lakeshore, play in Ontario Place, walk the cobblestones of the Distillary and enjoy the Eaton Centre as my "mall" when I need to buy books or have a shopping spree kind of day. - all I have to do to get downtown is cross the bridge and the possiblities of what to do are everywhere, not to mention Yorkville!!! ah the window shopping is priceless.

Would I love to wake up and look out a window and see cows and chickens or whatever it is they have in the country -- sure I will visit if you invite me.. but I can be found in the city with my family any weekend of the year surrounded by what many try to escape - the chaos that is the life of a city dweller.

Some of you live in cities, one or two live in far away countries that I don't know anything about ( but would love to hear what it is like where you live) and some of you have yearned for life in the country.. so when you pack up to go and head to the bigger spaces.. invite me along and show me what you see, because right now in this moment.. it is a city life I love..

(whistle the Andy Griffen song with an upbeat guitar solo in the back..)

Live Love Laugh .. Love where you are

The purse junkie no more

What a morning Toronto..

Winter Storm Watch.... it gets crazy this time a year.. so if you drive be careful, also walking be careful as well.

When the slush and snow gets too much.. stop .. breath and dance in the snowflakes, because it is not worth getting upset about it or getting frustrated about. Hubby took the the beautiful little lady to daycare this morning and he plowed through the snow and slush as she was excitedly sittling in the wagon -- glee filled saying .. this means christmas is coming!!!

So as you make it through the typical crazy morning rush to work.. look at the snow squals out side and think.. Yeah Winter Holidays are coming!!!

So snuggle up tonight or today with someone you love watch a holiday classic and have a great winter day in the city!

Live Love Laugh.. Snuggle

beautiful picture from the Web

The purse junkie no more

Have you ever really wanted to do something but you just couldn't jump start?

If you read on a regular basis you know that I have attempted to start the weight watchers program again, a plan the works for me.. always loose something. Well, for some reason I am having trouble kick starting myself into motion. I have lost the same three pounds twice now! I could blame it on the cookies, candies and the very delish chocolates that arrived yesturday from Ireland.. but seriously, I am stopping myself from being accountable and I know it! This is the worse kind of weight loss challenge for me..my brain! I have been tracking, just not staying in point range.. no serious issues at stake here, I am not overly stressed ( having accepted and dealt with the beautiful little ladies school issues for now), I am not blocking feelings or eating out of comfort needs.. simply enjoying too much Yummy stuff of the fattening variety.

This is when I know the meeting type version versus the on-line version of weight watchers might be helpful.. instead I think I will reflect on my behaviour - and make the choice to change it.. it just might be December 26th that I do it!

You will notice some minor changes on the blog, trying to keep it visually pleasing for you all!

Live Love Laugh .. Jump Start!

The purse junkie no more

Let it snow..

So it seems the white stuff is about to head our way. To me the city always looks so beautiful just after it snows.. the lights reflecting on the snow, are at times breathtaking.. many people say that Toronto is an ugly city, I myself have at times found it lacking.. but then I will stop and take a look around me and this is what I find...(not my pictures but favourite parts of this city).. I have friends and family that live through out the city. My favourite spot, aside of course from my home, is St. Lawerance Market - a walk through the street during a festival in the summer or having hot chocolate with my family in the little park in the winter -- to me the life of the city can always be found in  the old market on Saturday mornings, or Sundays during the flea market.. peameal bacon sandwiches and the smell of the fresh bread downstairs.. is simply YUM..... not to mention that the Winners on Front has some great finds.. if I could live anywhere in Toronto.. Hubby knows it would never be to far from this beautiful little spot.. everything you need is right there. That is where I hope to spend some of my christmas break.. having hot chocolate from Tims and enjoying a movie at the best Rainbow theater is the city..

Where do you find beauty where you live? People, Places, Faces? Let me know

Live Love Laugh ... Twirl in the Snow

The purse junkie no more

Dear Santa ( I believe)

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies
Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream
So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list
As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree
Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

This is from one of many favourite christmas songs ,one I always feel says exactly what I would write to Santa if I were to still write. Christmas is a favourite time of year for me, while the magic has faded it is still a wonderful time filled with positive thoughts and hope.
I have always asked for world peace, be it a wish  at a water fountain or a toast, I stll do. The year the Berlin wall came down I was so happy I cried as I stayed up all night at my dads house and watched the news.

A few months ago you all joined me in making a change in my closet, as a result many others benefited from your gift of giving. It doesn't have to be a big change, a small thing can make a significant difference in the lives of others.. so as we wait for the big guy in red to come, or you celebrate the festival of lights, or any other winter celebration--- remember this feeling of wishing for peace and finding hope.. lets make it our joint effort to support those in need, find the good in others and once in awhile play with the imagination of youth... because all we need is to still believe in each other for the world to change..

I Believe
Live Love Laugh .. BELIEVE

The Little Lady and me at work today ...

Well we have been in my office for 2 hours now, and it is going pretty good, heading out to play in the school yard for 10 minutes then back to work again. I LOVE IPODS.. I have it filled with Super W ( learning to read program) a Barbie movie and music and stories. External speakers too. She has coloured, played with her dolls and read and spent some time with my environmental friend. ( One time out for throwing - but you know what -- no tears!!!!) Consistency is my friend....

saved the post and went out to the playground for a bit.. all is goods she is trying really hard to stay occupied!

have a great day all :)

Live Laugh Love

The purse junkie no more

Breaking Rules

Today I broke one of my "rules" - no track/yoga pants at work! I am sooooooo comfy right now! Having a quick coffee break to start my day is strange, but I will be busy all day!

So it is in creating the new me, that I allowed myself to do the whole Yoga pants thing - this is not unsual at my work -woman often wear black yoga pants - granted most are working with little children or supervising little children, but today I am working on finishing up all my 2009 paper work and since I didn't organize a work from home day - well Yoga pants it is. Slightly uncomfortable with the whole super casual thing!

I grew up in a house, where my mom looked great going to work everyday, she did her hair and put on a suit of some kind, make up and I seem to remember hot rollers at various times,  1980's possibly for the big hair. Back then my mom looked (to me) like Farah Fawcett with the big blonde hair, likely was late 1970's into the 1980's. Shoulder pads, double breasted suits Chanel checked style suits, the first Gucci must have "it" bag that I remember ( which quietly sits in my closet for me to gaze upon!) oh and Heels - nice shoes always ( I again apologize mom, I know how much you hate my taste in shoes, while slightly improved from Doc martin days.) There was no track pants ever to work that I remember.. but times have changed for work environments, people are much more casual  at work. For example at my workplace - well it is a one off to see someone dressed up - always nice but not many power suit days here. Lots of blouse and jean sharp dressed woman, men usually sweater and jeans or kaki's.

So did I break a huge fashion rule -- yup for some, am I comfortable - yup! Losening up - one check for me! as for the diet, still tracking and chugging along .. who in their right mind chooses the month of shortbread cookies to start a weight loss plan!!!


Enjoy a comfy day all.. tomorrow back to normal!

Live Love Laugh and be comfy
the purse junkie no more

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many - unknown

In the last week more of my family and friends have said something about getting old, more then usual. So to celebrate the wisdom of others here are some quotes for you:

Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us. -- Thomas L. Holdcroft


We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. -- Winston Churchill

Live as if your were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. -- Gandhiji

Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies. -- Ann Landers


It is not length of life, but depth of life. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson


The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball. ~Doug Larson


Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. ~Samuel Ullman



There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt. ~Author Unknown

Live Love Laugh .. Age
The purse junkie no more..